Ski or snowboard

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a board-type runner device ( 1 ), in particular a ski ( 2 ) or a snowboard, comprising several layers disposed between a running surface lining ( 25 ) and a top layer ( 24 ), with a top belt ( 31 ) lying closest to the top layer ( 24 ) and/or a bottom belt ( 32 ) lying closest to the running surface lining ( 25 ) of a highly tensile material. In conjunction with a core disposed between the layers, these layers form a multi-layered element and at least one profiled section ( 12, 13 ) is provided in the core. At least a part-region of the outer surface of the profiled section ( 12, 13 ) is embedded or inlaid in a layer ( 44, 45 ) of an elastic synthetic material, preferably a layer ( 44, 45 ) of expanded synthetic material above the profiled section ( 12, 13 ) that is flexible and elastically resilient under the action of forces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 OF Austrian ApplicationNo. A 2157/99 filed Dec. 22, 1999. Applicant also claims priority under35 U.S.C. §365 of PCT/AT00/00342 filed Dec. 14, 2000. The internationalapplication under PCT article 21 (2) was not published in English.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a ski or snowboard.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Patent specification DE 44 95 484 C1 discloses a ski body comprising aplurality of moulded elements and layers arranged adjacent to and/or ontop of one another, which are adhesively or positively joined to oneanother. One of the strip-shaped layers has recesses and moundschannelled into it and essentially extends across the entire width andlength of the ski body. Disposed between the contoured layer shaped froma flat board material and the profiled, moulded elements arrangedunderneath is a damping layer made from an elastomeric material, whichalso extends across a major part of the width and length of the skibody. An alternative suggestion is that the profiled, moulded elementsbe provided in the form of tubes. As illustrated in the drawings, ahard, dimensionally stable filler is also provided between theelastomeric damping layer and the contoured layers in the standard wayused to manufacture a ski body, whereby a layer fulfilling a bearingfunction is inserted in the ski body between the elastically flexibledamping layer and the layer disposed above it assuming a bearingfunction, depending on the structure. The purpose of this dimensionallystable filler is primarily to fill the recesses on the top face of themoulded layer. Accordingly, the elastomeric damping layer and thebearing layers of the ski body do not come into contact with it for themost part. The shearing forces which occur when the ski is flexed, inparticular between the top as well as the bottom layer of the dampinglayer and the adjoining parts or layers of the ski body, must beefficiently absorbed, primarily by the broadly extending elastomericdamping layer, and high demands are therefore placed on the meansintended to transmit the shearing forces, in particular the adhesive andfiller materials, and on the damping layer itself, to ensure that layersof the ski body do not come apart. Over a longer period of time andunder extreme stress, however, the elastomeric intermediate layer in theski body constitutes a critical weak point in terms of preserving theintended properties and with regard to the integrity of themulti-layered element as a whole, given that it represents an extensivedividing or transition region in the ski body that is exposed to a highdegree of stress.

Patent specification EP 0 081 834 B1 and the corresponding patent AT 16460 E proposes a ski with a core made from injected or moulded syntheticmaterial. This ski core is made from a porous, injected or mouldedsynthetic material, such as expanded polyurethane, for example. Due tothe fact that this porous core material is relatively heavy, it isproposed that a cavity should be left free in the corresponding corematerial in order to reduce weight. This is achieved by injecting therelatively heavy synthetic material around a hollow, tubular component,which saves on the synthetic material used for the ski core. It isfurther suggested that the ends of the tube should be closed to preventthe expanded and then cured synthetic material from penetrating theinterior of the tube. Although the cavities in the ski core enable theweight of the ski to be reduced, they do not produce any significantimprovements in running properties.

The underlying objective of the present invention is to propose aboard-type device, in particular a ski or a snowboard, with dynamic buttolerant running properties, by means of which the forces generated onan integrated damping layer can be reliably absorbed when the runnerdevice is deformed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This objective is achieved by the invention with a ski or snowboardcomprising several layers disposed between a running surface lining anda top layer, including a top belt of a high-tensile material layingclosest to the top layer and a bottom belt of a high-tensile materiallaying closest to the running surface lining. The layers form amulti-layer element with at least one profiled section disposed betweenthe top belt and the bottom belt. At least a part-region of the outersurface of the at least one profiled section is embedded in a layer ofan elastic synthetic material that is flexible and elastically resilientrelative to the at least one profiled section under pressure. A top faceof the ski or snowboard opposite the running surface lining has acontour consisting of at least one raised area and recess, thecross-sectional shape or dimension of the at least one profiled sectionat least approximately conforming to the at least one raised area andrecess of the top face contour, and the cross-sectional shape ordimension being a factor determining the top face contour. Such a ski orsnowboard has surprisingly good running properties because it hassignificantly more tolerance but still exhibits a high degree of agilityand dynamics. This effect is primarily achieved as a result of thealmost elastic bearing and the profiled section embedded in the elasticexpanded synthetic material, whereby the layer formed at least above andbeneath the moulded contour is more flexible and elasticallycompressible than the inherently stable profiled section. Themulti-layered element has a high degree of cohesion, in spite of thefact that the inherently rigid profiled section is embedded in therelatively elastic material, because the elastic inlay for the profiledsection is provided in only part of the region surrounding the profiledsection and high-strength adhesives and fillers can be provided in theperipheral regions thereof to guarantee the integrity of themulti-layered element. Elastically embedding at least one profiledsection means that a flexural element is integrated in the runner body,which is crucial to the running properties of the runner device.Furthermore, with a ski or snowboard of this construction, exactadjustments can easily be made to the values needed to obtain a runnerdevice with almost ideal characteristics.

Relatively large-volume profiled sections may be used, which can beadapted within a relatively broad range of characteristics to obtainideal or desired values in terms of bending moment, torsional strength,rebound behaviour and similar. Another significant advantage is the factthat the surface contour or surface profiling of the finished ski orsnowboard can be supported by the underlying profiled sections, enablingpotential savings to be made in terms of the thickness of the layer usedfor the too belt and/or the bottom belt. Profiled sections with arelatively large cross-sectional surface area can be integrated withoutproblem, further imparting a positive overall visual impression to theski or snowboard.

It is also of advantage if the layer of elastic synthetic materialretains the at least one profiled section on all sides and is comprisedof an elastomeric, expanded synthetic material having a density of 200ka/cu.m to 400 ka/cu.m. because a relatively elastic expanded syntheticmaterial can be used without problem to make the core of the ski orsnowboard, and without going below the compression strength needed forthe runner device, because the integrated profiled sections act to acertain degree as spacing elements between the top layers and bottomlayers and between the top belt and bottom belt of the runner device,whilst at the same time enabling at least one profiled section to beadvantageously embedded in a sufficiently elastic arrangement.

Polyurethane foam is easy to process and produces the sought elastomericeffects.

If the at least part-region of the outer surface of the at least oneprofiled section runs close to the bottom or too belt, the layer ofelastic synthetic material being disposed in between, a core is producedin which elasticity is limited as the deformation and compressionstrength progressively increases.

The at least part-region of the outer surface of the at least oneprofiled section may be supported on an internal surface of an outerprofiled section at least partially enclosing the at least one profiledsection, and the layer of elastic synthetic material is inlaidtherebetween. The resultant multi-layered component is made up of tworelatively hard layers or shell parts with a permanently elastic layerdisposed in between, which is easy to pre-fabricate separately and canthen be perfectly easily assembled with the other surrounding plies orlayers of the runner device to make up the overall runner device.

A core component with the requisite elasticity and bending strength,which is easy to produce, and facilitates the process of producing theski or snowboard is obtained if the at least one profiled section andthe layer of elastic synthetic material forms a multi-layered core ofthe multi-layer element, the multi-layered core being capable of beingpre-fabricated.

If the profiled section is hollow or tubular, a generally standardprofiled section can be used, which is easy to manufacture, therebyenabling the total cost of producing the runner device to be reduced.

If the outer profiled section has a U-shaped, V-shaped or dish-shapedcross-section and encloses at least an upper outer surface region of theat least one profiled section disposed therebelow, primary deformationalstress in the middle region of the runner device in a vertical downwarddirection is counteracted by a section modulus that is higher than therelatively lower flexural stress of the runner device in an upwardvertical direction.

A particularly compact, multi-layered bending and damping element forthe ski or snowboard can be readily incorporated in a process formanufacturing the same if the at least one profiled section is receivedin an outer profiled section, with the elastic synthetic material layerarranged therebetween.

If the at least one profiled section directly abuts an underside of thetop belt and is spaced apart by the layer of elastic synthetic materialfrom the bottom belt and lower layers of the multi-layer element, only aslight inverse torque is generated by the profiled section during theinitial phase of a flexing motion of the ski or snowboard and asufficient damping path is afforded due to the relatively generousthickness of the elastic layer, without the need for any deformation ofthe profiled section. The profiled section is not deformed until theflexing motion becomes more pronounced, at which point the lattergenerates a progressively increasing inverse torque.

Optimized account of the stress acting on the profiled section is takenif the at least one profiled section decreases in height from amid-region of the ski or snowboard to the ends thereof, the mid-regionforming a mounting region for a binding.

Another profiled section of elliptical cross-section has a relativelysimple structure which makes the best possible use of the available coreregion and is easy to manufacture.

It is particularly advantageous if one of the profiled sections extendscontinuously into spaced-apart regions of contact of an underside of theski or snowboard with a level underlying around when no load is appliedthereto, and the other profiled section is shorter than the one profiledsection. A continuous core element extending in a bridge-typearrangement is advantageously obtained, in which the load-transmittingpoints and the end regions of the profiled sections extend as far as theoutermost contact and bearing regions of the ski or snowboard with theground. Consequently, it does not have any weak points or points thatare susceptible to breakage in the end region of the profiled sections,which are inherently stable, relatively speaking, obtaining a harmoniousbending characteristic over wide regions of the ski or snowboard.

The at least one profiled section preferably extends beyond the ends ofthe outer profiled section to the regions of contact, and the at leastone profiled section is completely uncoupled from the outer profiledsection. This takes account of the relatively limited space availabilityin the end regions of the sports device.

A damping action directed in the longitudinal direction of the runnerdevice and the profiled section is obtained if the outer tubularprofiled section is flattened at the ends thereof, and the at least oneprofiled section is shorter than the outer tubular profiled section andis embedded in the layer of elastic synthetic material, and dampinglayers can be provided which are specifically adapted to the quitepronounced relative movements between the front ends of the outer andinner profiled section.

Any direct contact between the hard layers of the profiled sectionsnested one inside the other is avoided and also the weight of the ski orsnowboard is reduced if the layer of elastic synthetic material is aspacing web spacing the at least one profiled section apart from theouter profiled section, the profiled sections defining at least onecavity therebetween.

The at least one profiled section may be mounted so that it vibratesfreely relative to the outer profiled section, imparting anintermittently or sharply rising characteristic to the bending moment ofthe unit of profiled sections and the ski or snowboard as a whole if thespacing web is so aligned that the cavity is formed above or below theat least one profiled section bounded by the outer profiled section.

The profiled sections are prevented from coming into direct contactduring extreme deformation of the runner device if the spacing web isaligned vertically between the at least one profiled section and theouter profiled section and is so dimensioned that the cavity is formedin at least one of two side regions between the profiled sections.

The profiled sections may be individually adapted to requirements andspace availability if the cross-sectional width of the at least oneprofiled section is approximately 10% to 40% of the width of the ski orsnowboard.

The ski or snowboard as a whole exhibits good cohesion and theindividual layers adjacent to the elastic layer are securely preventedfrom coming apart if the transverse extension of the layer of elasticsynthetic material is approximately 10% to 40% of the width of the skior snowboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference toexamples of embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings.

Of these:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram, not shown to scale, in plan view, of arunner device with a contoured top face as proposed by the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the runner device illustrated in FIG. 1,viewed along the lines II—II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram in cross section, not shown to scale, ofanother embodiment of the runner device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram in cross section, not shown to scale, ofanother embodiment of the runner device illustrated in FIG. 1, with atleast one integrated double section;

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram in cross section, not shown to scale, ofanother embodiment of a runner device;

FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram in cross section, not shown to scale, ofanother embodiment of a runner device;

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram in cross section, not shown to scale, ofan alternative embodiment of the runner device;

FIG. 8 is a very simplified schematic diagram of a part-region of arunner device as proposed by the invention, seen in partial section;

FIG. 9 is one possible embodiment of a double section, seen in partiallongitudinal section, in the opposite position of the runner deviceillustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a very simplified, schematic diagram, viewed in longitudinalsection, of a part-region of a runner device in an end region of theintegrated double section;

FIG. 11 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a part-region of therunner device in the mid-region of the integrated double section, viewedin the longitudinal section thereof;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a runner device with the structural featuresillustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a runner device with two integrated moulded ordouble sections, which are of an arcuately curved shape and extend in adiverging arrangement, starting from the mid-region;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of another embodiment of a runner device withV-shaped moulded or double sections running towards one another;

FIG. 15 shows a runner device with moulded or double sections laid outin an X-shaped arrangement;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a runner device with three integrated mouldedor double sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Firstly, it should be pointed out that the same parts described in thedifferent embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers and thesame component names and the disclosures made throughout the descriptioncan be transposed in terms of meaning to same parts bearing the samereference numbers or same component names. Furthermore, the positionschosen for the purposes of the description, such as top, bottom, side,etc. relate to the drawing specifically being described and can betransposed in terms of meaning to a new position when another positionis being described. Individual features or combinations of features fromthe different embodiments illustrated and described may be construed asindependent inventive solutions or solutions proposed by the inventionin their own right.

FIG. 1 provides a plan view of a runner device 1 designed andconstructed as proposed by the invention. This runner device 1 may be aski 2 or alternatively a snowboard, depending on the selected ratio oflength to width. The ratio of length to width of a ski 2 willessentially be larger than that of a so-called snowboard.

A top face 3 of the runner device 1 as seen in a plan view or from theposition of usage, is preferably of a profiled or contoured design. Thiscontouring 4 extends without interruption along almost the entire lengthas far as the vicinity of the end regions 5, 6 of the runner device 1.Optionally, the contouring 4 may also extend in a mid-region 7 of therunner device 1 and in a binding mounting region 8 thereof or may mergeinto a level mid-region 7 serving as a mounting platform for anappropriate binding. Starting from a mid-region 7, which may be of alevel, plateau-type design, the contouring 4 in any event runs along thetop face 3 of the runner device 1 until close up to the end regions 5,6. The contouring 4 in the mid-region 7 and in the zones adjoining thebinding mounting region 8 is more pronounced than in the end regions 5,6 of the runner device 1. In particular, the contouring 4 runs graduallyoutwards, the closer it gets to the two end regions 5, 6 of the runnerdevice 1. In other words, the contouring 5 becomes constantly flatter,the closer it is to the end regions 5, 6 and finally merges into flatend regions 5, 6. Accordingly, at least one so-called tip is formed inthe end regions 5, 6 of the runner device 1.

The contouring 4 on the top face 3 is provided in the form of at leastone, preferably two, bead-type mounds 9, 10 running substantiallyparallel with one another. Another alternative is to provide three ormore such mounds 9, 10 extending in the longitudinal direction of therunner device 1.

A more or less pronounced recess 11 is formed between two mounds 9, 10extending in the longitudinal direction of the runner device 1 and runsbetween the mounds 9, 10. The base or bottom of the recess 11 may besubstantially V-shaped or alternatively U-shaped in cross section, i.e.has a largely flattened, level base region. Instead of providing abead-type contouring 4 with at least one arcuately shaped raised area onthe top face 3 of the runner device 1 as viewed transversely to thelongitudinal direction, it would naturally be possible to provide adifferent type of contouring 4. For example, the bead-typed mounds 9, 10could be flatter in the region of the upper peak, in which case themounds 9, 10 would be trapezoidal in cross-sectional shape. Similarly,the layout of recess and mounds 9, 10 could be reversed, in which case abead-type mound would run in the mid-region of the runner device 1 withtwo recesses channelled into the top face 3 of the runner device 1 oneither side of the bead-type mounds.

The multi-layered body of the runner device 1 contains at least oneprofiled section 12, 13. By preference, a profiled section 12, 13 isprovided for every mound 9, 10 and every raised area 14, 15. Theprofiled sections 12, 13 are preferably fully integrated in the runnerdevice 1, i.e. enclosed on all sides by the other structural componentsof the runner device 1.

Optionally, the profiled section 12, 13 may also be arranged extendingout from the multi-layered body or sandwich element in the mid-region 7and binding mounting region 8 or alternatively in the zones adjoiningthe binding mounting region 8. To this end, the profiled sections 12, 13may run close to the top face 3 of the runner device 1 and be at leastpartially visible by means of transparent part-regions in the form ofviewing windows 16 or cut-out regions 17 in the top face 3 of the runnerdevice 1.

A longitudinal extension of the contouring 4 on the top face 3 of therunner device 1 is only slightly longer than a longitudinal extension ofthe integrated profiled sections 12, 13. In other words, a length of theprofiled sections 12, 13 is only slightly shorter than the longitudinalextension of the contouring 4. The lengthwise dimensions of theintegrated profiled sections 12, 13 are therefore a contributing factorto the extent of the longitudinal contouring 4 on the top face 3.

By preference, the profiled sections 12, 13 extend continuously betweena front contact zone 18 and a rear contact zone 19 of the runner device1 when the board-type runner device 1 is placed on level ground with noload. When the runner device 1 is in the no-load state, these contactzones 18, 19 and the resultant contact points 20, 21 of the runnerdevice 1 on underlying ground 22 occur exclusively in the end regions 5,6 thereof.

When in the unloaded state and under its own natural weight, themid-region 7 of the runner device 1 does not sit on the underlyingground 22 due to its so-called pre-tensioning. This is caused by theso-called pre-tensioned height of the runner device 1, defined by thelongest distance between a running surface 23 of the runner device 1 anda flat contact surface under the effect of the natural weight of therunner device 1. Exposed to natural forces or in the non-operatingstate, the runner device 1 curves upwards in an arc between its contactpoints 20, 21. This camber or pre-tensioning of the runner device 1 isdetermined amongst other things by the continuous profiled section 12,13, which extends in a cambered or bridge-type arrangement between theend regions 5, 6 and between the contact points 20, 21 of the runnerdevice 1, as will be explained in more detail below.

FIG. 2 depicts one possible structure of the runner device 1 proposed bythe invention. This diagram, viewed in cross section, is specificallyintended to illustrate the layered structure and cross-sectional shapeof the individual components and elements of the runner device 1.

The outer peripheral zones of the runner device 1 consist, in a knownmanner, of a top layer 24 forming the top face 3 and a running surfacelining 25 forming the running surface 23. The top layer 24 forms the topface 3 and optionally also longitudinal side walls 26, 27 of the runnerdevice 1. Steel edges 28, 29 form a lateral boundary of the runningsurface 23. Instead of using a top layer 24 in the form of a shellcomponent in a single piece forming the surface and lateral edges of therunner device 1 in a single-shell arrangement, it would naturally alsobe possible to provide separate elements for the side edges of therunner device 1.

The profiled top layer 24 is preferably supported at its twolongitudinal edges on a steel edge 28; 29 or on a layer of high-tensilematerial lying in between.

Several layers are arranged between the top layer 24 and the runningsurface lining 25, in particular at least one bottom belt 30 lyingimmediately adjacent to the running surface lining 25 and/or at leastone top belt 31 immediately adjacent to the top layer 24. The bottombelt 30 and/or the top belt 31 are made from a high-tensile material andare positioned close to the peripheral zones of the runner device 1 asviewed through the cross section of the runner device 1. The bottom belt30 and/or the top belt 31 has a significant influence on the rigidity orflexibility of the runner device 1, amongst other things due to itsspatial position within the runner device 1.

The top belt 31 is adhesively joined to the top layer 24 by means of afiller or adhesive layer 32. Similarly, the flat faces of the bottombelt 30 and the running surface lining 25 directed towards one anotherare adhesively joined to one another by means of a filler or adhesivelayer 32. This being the case, the bottom belt 30 may extend betweenanchoring projections 33, 34 provided in the runner device 1 for thesteel edges 28, 29, as schematically illustrated. Alternatively, thebottom belt 30, provided in the form of a substantially flat strip-likecomponent, may extend beyond the anchoring projections 33, 34,terminating flush with the longitudinal side walls 26, 27 of the runnerdevice 1.

By contrast with the largely flat bottom belt 30, the top belt 31 ispreferably profiled. By preference, the top belt 31 is moulded so as tohave at least one, preferably two raised areas 14, 15 running in itslongitudinal direction with a recess 11 lying in between. Viewed incross section, therefore, the top belt 31 duly formed from a flatworkpiece is of a corrugated design. This cross-sectional corrugateddesign with preferably two raised areas 14, 15 with the recess 11 inbetween is dimensioned so that bottom longitudinal edges 35 to 37 of theshaped top belt 31 can be arranged at a distance 38 apart from the steeledges 28, 29 and the bottom belt 30. This distance 38 is maintained inorder to prevent the profiled top belt 31 from coming into contact withthe steel edges 28, 29 or the bottom belt 30.

This distance 38 is primarily determined by a core component 39 of therunner device 1, of which at least one is provided. This distance 38 isalso kept largely constant when forces are acting on the top face 3and/or the running surface 23, with the exception of relatively shortpermitted compression paths of the runner device 1. The core component39 is disposed between the bearing belts, in particular between thebottom belt 30 and the top belt 31. Accordingly, the core component 39keeps the bottom belt 30 spaced apart from the top belt 31 and, inconjunction with the other layers of the overall runner device 1, forman integral multi-layered or sandwich element as a result of filler oradhesive layers disposed in between.

The profiled section 12, 13 co-operates with the core component 39 andthe profiled sections 12, 13 form a part of the core component 39 of therunner device 1. The space between top and bottom belt 30, 31 whichremains free around the profiled sections 12, 13 is filled with a filler40, preferably a synthetic material with a pore structure. The filler 40preferably also has an adhesive effect so that it remains adhered to theadjoining components, thereby ensuring that the integral structure ofthe multi-part runner device 1 remains intact.

The filler 40 may also form an expanded foam core 41 for the runnerdevice 1. The profiled sections 12, 13 and the filler 40 or expandedfoam core 41 form the core component 39. The profiled sections 12, 13may be embedded in the filler 40 or expanded foam core 41. Theelasticity or flexibility of the filler 40 or expanded foam core 41 isselected so that the latter will not break and will not be susceptibleto tearing when the runner device 1 is deformed to its maximum. Theprofiled sections 12, 13, which are highly tensile compared with theexpanded foam core 41, are therefore mounted in the expanded foam core41 in an almost elastically resilient arrangement.

The profiled sections 12, 13 are preferably provided in the form ofhollow sections 42, 43 so that they have as low an inherent weight aspossible but are still capable of relatively high values in terms ofstability and strength. In the embodiment illustrated as an examplehere, the hollow sections 42, 43 are tubular. By reference to thelongitudinal extension of the profiled sections 12, 13, the latter mayhave a tubular cross section with a circular contour, especially in themid-region. By reference to individual cross-sectional planes in thelongitudinal direction of the runner device 1, therefore, the respectivecross-sectional shapes and/or the cross-sectional dimensions of theintegrated profiled sections 12, 13 are at least more or less adapted tothe respective cross-sectional shapes and contouring 4 of the top face 3of the individual longitudinal portions of the runner device 1. In otherwords, the cross-sectional shapes and/or cross-sectional dimensions ofthe profiled sections 12, 13 at least partially conform to thecontouring 4 of the top face 3 along their longitudinal extension. Theprofiled sections 12, 13 are therefore decisive contributory factor asfar as the surface contour of the runner device 1 is concerned. Thecross-sectional shapes and/or cross-sectional dimensions of the profiledsections 12, 13 transversely to the longitudinal extension of the runnerdevice 1 are constant, being selected so that the profiled sections 12,13 run quite close to the top belt 31 and/or the bottom belt 32.Optionally, at least one profiled section 12, 13 may immediately adjointhe bottom face of the top belt 31 and/or the top face of the bottombelt 30, as indicated by the profiled section 12, 13 shown in brokenlines.

The top and/or bottom part-region of the outer shell of the profiledsections 12, 13 preferably runs close to the facing planar faces of thetop belt 31 and/or the bottom belt 30 so that another specific thicknessof the filler 40 of the expanded foam core 41 can be provided to form anelastic layer 44, 45 between the profiled sections 12, 13 and the bottomand/or top belt 30; 31, all of which are highly tensile compared withthe expanded foam core 41.

Alternatively, an elastic layer 44, 45 provided as a separate layer maybe arranged between the external shell of the profiled section 12,13 andthe bottom belt 30 and/or top belt 31, as illustrated by broken lines.This elastic layer 44, 45 is preferably made from an elastomericmaterial, for example silicone rubber and/or rubber materials.

Instead of a flat, elastomeric intermediate layer, the elastic layer 44,45 may also be provided in the form of a sheath 46, 47 of elastomericmaterial, at least partially covering or enclosing the profiled section12, 13. This elastomeric sheath 46, 47 therefore directly adjoins thebottom face of the top belt 31 and/or the top face of the bottom belt30. This elastically flexible sheath 46, 47 may also providecompensation between the cross-sectional dimensions of the profiledsection 12, 13 and the profiling of the top belt 31, enabling smallerdimensional tolerances to be compensated by the flexible sheath 46, 47during manufacture, i.e. when assembling and pressing the ski componentsunder the effect of pressure and temperature in a press. The elasticallyflexible sheath 46, 47 and the elastic layers 44, 45 or intermediatelayers also ensure that two profiled sections 12, 13 are accurately andalways uniformly aligned in the mid-region between the top and bottombelt 30, 31. This imparts a high reproducibility to the runner device 1,ensuring that a plurality of runner devices 1 will always have uniformand largely constant properties.

In addition, the elastic layer 44, 45 and the elastic sheath 46, 47enable the profiled sections 12, 13 to be exactly positioned duringmanufacture of the runner device 1. Pre-fixed and retained in anappropriate press between bottom and top belt 30, 31 by the elasticlayer 44, 45 and the sheath 46, 47 during manufacture of the runnerdevice 1, the profiled section 12, 13 can no longer shift or slide oncethe expandable filler 40 is introduced. As a result, the profiledsections 12, 13 remain in the specified position during themanufacturing process, ensuring that the specified physical propertieswill be imparted to the runner device 1. Moreover, there is absolutelyno need for any other measures to fix the profiled sections 12, 13 inthe intended position when injecting in the filler 40 becauseelastically clamping the profiled sections 12, 13 between thesurrounding components of the runner device 1 in an appropriate pressingmould will be sufficient to ensure that the profiled sections 12, 13 sitin the intended position. This being the case, the elastic layer 44, 45and the elastic sheath 46, 47 are at least slightly compressed or pushedin at the contact points with the surrounding components, in particularthe contact points with the top belt 31 and/or the bottom belt 31.Provided the elastic layer 44, 45 is designed and dimensioned correctly,the elastically resilient mounting of the profiled section 12, 13 in therunner device 1 will be maintained whatever the circumstances.

Embedding the profiled sections 12, 13 in the core component 39 in analmost elastic arrangement is of advantage because it is conducive tothe running properties of the runner device 1, but especially itsagility or dynamics. Particularly in the initial phase of a deformationof the runner device 1, the deformation of the elastic layer 44, 45 andthe sheath 46, 47 can be compensated by the mounting of the profiledsections 12, 13 in the core component 39, which is of limitedflexibility, and the profiled section 12, 13 will remain undeformed.

The profiled section 12, 13 will not be deformed or flexed until thedeforming motion starts to become more pronounced. A body is thus formedwhich bends in two stages but which is nevertheless capable of aharmonious bending curve. The profiled sections 12, 13 with the elasticsheath 46, 47 or the adjoining elastic layer 44, 45 are the elementswhich essentially serve to maintain the distance 38 between the top belt31 and the bottom belt 30. The top layer 24 is preferably provided as atransparent synthetic material, which provides a design feature for therunner device 1 on the bottom face directed towards the profiledsections 12, 13. The top layer 24 has relatively little influence on therigidity or stiffness of the runner device 1.

Because the top belt 31 is flexibly spaced at a distance apart from thebottom belt 30, the arrangement could be described as an uncoupling ofthe top belt 31 from the bottom belt 30. Accordingly, the top belt 31 ismounted so that it fulfils a damping action relative to the bottom belt30 and is mounted so as to flex and rebound in the directionperpendicular to the runner device 1. Consequently, any impact orvibrations acting on the running surface 23 can be kept remote from thetop face 3 of the runner device 1 to a certain degree, resulting in alow-vibration or smoother running behaviour of the runner device 1 onridged ground.

The top layer 24, which may also be described as a design layer, istherefore able to compensate for and absorb the relatively shortdisplacement travel in the vertical direction without problem. Shearingforces between the lower layers of the runner device 1, in particularbetween the bottom belt 30 and the upper layers of the runner device 1,in particular the top belt 30, are absorbed on the one hand by thefiller 40 and on the other by the expanded foam core 41. In addition,the stability of the runner device 1 when subjected to shearing forcesis increased by the fact that the shape of the top belt 31 conforms tothe profiled sections 12, 13.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the structure of arunner device 1 as proposed by the invention and illustrated in FIG. 1.The reference numbers used to denote the parts already described aboveand the relevant explanations may be transposed to the same parts withsame reference numbers.

By contrast with the embodiment described above, the upper components ofthe runner device 1 in this case do not extend across the core component39 in a shell-type arrangement and instead a relatively narrowpart-region of the filler 40 or expanded foam core 41 may be seen alongthe longitudinal side walls 26, 27 of the runner device 1. Inparticular, the upper components of the runner device 1 are angled in aflange-like design at their longitudinal edges directed towards thesteel edges 28, 29 so that the narrow ends of these components form apart-region of the side walls 26, 27.

This being the case, the filler 40 or expanded foam core 41 are madefrom a particularly elastic, expanded synthetic material, which, apartfrom its elastic properties, also serves as an adhesive. The profiledsections 12, 13 are preferably embedded in a filler 40 or expanded foamcore 41 with a density of between approximately 200 kg/m³ and 400 kg/m³,preferably approximately 300 kg/m³. This expanded material therefore hasrelatively elastic properties. An expanded foam core 41 of this type ismuch lighter than a wooden core and is also elastically flexible. Thefiller 40 or expanded foam core 41 used for the runner device 1 proposedby the invention is also not susceptible to breakage, nor is it porous,but has a relatively high coefficient of elasticity.

As illustrated by the numerous dots or spots, the filler 40 may also beprovided as an integral foam, the peripheral zones of which are moredense and harder than the inner section. An integral foam of this typealso has an outer skin, which is of a significantly higher density thanthe core zone. Because the expanded synthetic material of the expandedfoam core 41 is less dense in the middle, the core region has aconsiderably higher elasticity and a higher elastic flexibility than theperipheral zones. At least one profiled section 12, 13 is thereforeelastically inlaid in this relatively soft core region of the expandedfoam core 41. The relatively rigid, homogeneous outer skin of theexpanded foam core 41 helps to maintain its dimensional stability andcompression strength and therefore constitutes an advantageous corecomponent 39 for the runner device 1. The outer skin and peripheral zonehas a bulk density of around 1200 kg/m³ and the density at the centre ofthe expanded foam core 41 is between approximately 200 kg/m³ andapproximately 400 kg/m³. The hard peripheral zones may be approximately2 mm to 5 mm in thickness.

The cross-sectional dimensions, in particular a height 48 or a diameter49 of the profiled sections 12, 13 is at least one third (33%) up to amaximum of two thirds (66%), preferably approximately half (50%) of alargest structural height 50 of the runner device 1 in the samecross-sectional plane. The external contour and cross-sectionaldimension, in particular the height 48 of the profiled sections 12, 13,therefore has a significant effect on the contouring 4 or externalcontour of the runner device 1. Since the contouring 4 of the top faceof the runner device is designed in the form of bead-type raised areas14, 15, the height 48 of the profiled sections 12, 13 may be larger thanis the case with a runner device 1 with a conventional rectangular ortrapezoidal cross section. An increase in the weight or volume of therunner device 1 due to the bead-type raised areas 14, 15 is avoided dueto the recess 11 between the two raised areas 14, 115 and it is evenpossible to produce a lighter-weight runner device 1 for the same staticvalues. In spite of the fact that the maximum structural height 50 islarger than is the case in conventional runner devices 1, the volume orweight is not necessarily increased because the recess 11 is provided.In effect, better static values, in particular higher torsionalstrengths, can be achieved since the contouring 4 of the top face 3 ofthe runner device 1 and the fact that the profiled sections 12, 13 areintegrated allows weaker, i.e. thinner, structural elements, to be used.

To render the sandwich or multi-layered element capable of withstandingthe high shearing forces to which it will be exposed transversely to thelongitudinal direction of the runner device 1, the lower layers of therunner device 1 mesh with the upper layers by means of the profiledsections 12, 13. Accordingly, the lower layers, in particular the bottombelt 30, and the upper layers, in particular the top belt 31, are joinedin a reciprocal positive coupling, incorporating the profiled sections12, 13. The positive coupling between the top belt 31 and the bottombelt 30 using the profiled sections 12, 13 ensures that shearing forcesacting between the bottom belt 30 and the top belt 31 transversely tothe longitudinal direction of the runner device 1 are effectivelyabsorbed without allowing any significant shifting between the top belt31 and the bottom belt 30.

To this end, the profiled sections 12, 13 may be retained on their ownseparate fixing mount 51 lying immediately adjacent to the lowerperipheral zone of the runner device 1 or in an appropriately shapedregion of the bottom belt 30. The fixing mount 51 or the appropriatelyshaped bottom belt 30 provides mounts 52, 53 specifically adapted to theexternal contour of the profiled sections 12, 13 which receive theprofiled sections 12, 13. If the profiled sections 12, 13 are tubular,the mounts 52, 53 of the fixing mount 51 or the bottom belt 30 are wellor dish-shaped and may receive at least the lower part-region of theprofiled sections 12, 13. As a result of the bead-type raised areas 14,15 and hence the more or less matching contouring 4, the top belt 31also matches the corresponding upper part-region of tubular profiledsections 12, 13. The profiled sections 12, 13 are therefore also usedand provided as a means of transmitting shearing forces between thebottom belt 30 and the top belt 31, making it perfectly feasible to usea very elastic filler 40 or expanded foam core 41.

In conjunction with the virtually matching top belt 31 and the virtuallymatching bottom belt 30, the profiled sections 12, 13 in effectconstitute a sort of vertical guide between top belt 31 and bottom belt30.

Optionally, the underside of the dish-shaped mounts 52, 53 may also bespaced at a distance apart from the bottom belt 31 and from the layersof the runner device 1 constituting the bottom belt 31, as illustratedby broken lines. Accordingly, the fixing mount 51 also acts as aspringing point for the profiled section 12, 13 in the direction runningperpendicular to the running surface 23 of the runner device 1. Thefixing mount 51 may therefore be made of spring steel or any othersuitable material with elastically resilient properties.

Instead of providing a fixing mount 51 extending across the entirelength of the runner device 1 or instead of using a correspondinglyextensive spring element, springing elements of this type may beprovided which co-operate with individual points of the lower externalsurface region of the profiled sections 12, 13 only, in which caseelastically resilient supports which act on certain points may beprovided in the multi-layered element for the profiled sections 12, 13.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the structure of a runnerdevice 1 as proposed by the invention, the same reference numbers beingused to denote the same parts described above. The explanations givenabove may be transposed in terms of meaning to these parts.

In this instance, at least a part-region of the outer shell of the atleast one profiled section 12; 13 with the elastic layer 44, 45 providedin between lies against an internal surface 54; 55 of another profiledsection 56; 57 which at least partially encloses the profiled section12; 13. The outer profiled section 56; 57 at least partially enclosingthe first or inner profiled section 12; 13 may be semi-circular oralternatively triangular in cross section—as illustrated by the brokenlines—its internal surface 54; 55 preferably co-operating with the upperexternal surface region of the first profiled section 12, 13. This beingthe case, the outer or second profiled section 56, 57 covers the firstprofiled section 12, 13 lying underneath and an elastic layer 44; 45 isdisposed in between them.

Instead of using a well-shaped or channel-shaped profiled section 56,57, it would also be possible to use a profiled section 56, 57 with aclosed shell—as specifically illustrated in FIG. 4 13 for example atubular profiled section 56, 57. This being the case, the first profiledsection 12, 13 is placed or inserted inside this profiled section 56, 57with its closed casing and the elastic layer 44, 45 if placed inbetween. This “section in section” arrangement with the elastic layer44, 45 disposed between the rigid section walls provides a multi-layeredflexural or core element capable of withstanding high shearing forces. Adouble-walled element of this type comprising the profiled sections 12,56 and 13, 57 has good damping and strength properties. The system oftubular profiled sections 12, 56 and 13, 57 can be described as adouble-walled tubular element with an intermediate elastic layer.

With a double-walled structure of the profiled elements 12, 56 and 13,57 of this type, the outer profiled section 56, 57 may be deformedwithin certain limits without the profiled section 12, 13 lying insidebeing subjected to any deformation. The profiled section 12, 13 lyinginside is not deformed until a stage of more pronounced deformation andthe deformation resistance increases as the curvature increases.

Amongst other things, the longitudinal side walls 26, 27 may be providedin the form of lateral web elements 58, 59 varying in height in theirlongitudinal direction, the different cross-sectional heights of therunner device 1 being taken into account in the individualcross-sectional regions. These lateral web elements 58, 59 are supportedon the top face of the steel edges 28, 29 in a known manner.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment to that illustrated in FIG.4. In this case, the outer profiled sections 56, 57 are oval orelliptical in cross section. These profiled sections 56, 57 with anelliptical cross section are integrated in the runner device 1 laidflat. In particular, by reference to the oval or elliptical crosssection of the outer profiled section 56, 57, a straight line joiningits tips is aligned substantially parallel with the running surface 23of the runner device 1. The cross-sectional dimensions of the respectiveinner profiled section 12, 13 are significantly smaller than thecross-sectional dimensions of the profiled section 56, 57, so that theinner profiled section 12, 13 is fully accommodated and the outerprofiled section 56, 57 and can be completely embedded in the elasticlayer 44, 45.

Instead of the elliptical cross section, the outer profiled section 56may also have a semi-circular or bridge-shaped cross section—asindicated by broken lines—in which case the curved part-region will bedirected towards the almost congruently shaped top belt 31 and thesubstantially flat base part will be directed towards the substantiallyflat bottom belt 32. The advantage of providing the profiled sections56, 57 with an elliptical or semi-circular cross section withcorrespondingly shaped profiled sections 12, 13 lying inside is thatthey can be adapted to the corrugated contour of the top belt 31 or topface 3 of the runner device 1 over a larger peripheral surface area. Amore extensive positive connection is thus obtained between the top belt31 and the profiled sections 56, 57 or alternatively profiled sections12,13, and the runner structure is therefore capable of withstandinghigher shearing forces. The top or bottom vertex of the profiled section56, 57 may abut directly with the top belt 31 or the bottom belt 30. Inthe rest of the vertex region, the elastically flexible filler 40 of theexpanded foam core 41 is disposed between the profiled section 56, 57and the top belt 31 and bottom belt 30.

The compression strength or inherent stability of the profiled sections12, 13, 56, 57 is thus significantly greater than the compressionstrength of the elastic layer 44, 45. When subjected to the action offorce, the elastic layer 44, 45 deforms or gives at a much earlier pointthan the profiled sections 12, 13, 56, 57.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5.

In this case, the profiled sections 56, 57 also have an elliptical oroval cross section but the profiled sections 56, 57 are integrated inthe multi-layered body of the runner device 1 with the cross sectionupstanding. In particular, a straight line linking the tip regions ofthe oval profiled section 56, 57 runs substantially perpendicular to therunning surface 23 of the runner device 1. The cross-sectional height,in particular a height 48, of the profiled sections 56, 57 is selectedso that the top belt 31 and the bottom belt 30 abuts with or against thetip regions of the profiled section 56, 57. The profiled section 56, 57therefore acts as a spacing element between the top belt 31 and thebottom belt 30. An inside width 60 of the hollow profiled section 56, 57is selected so that the inner profiled section 12, 13 does not sit incontact with the internal faces of the outer profiled section 56, 57.The inner profiled section 12, 13 is therefore able to move to a limiteddegree relative to the outer profiled section 56, 57 in the directionperpendicular to the running surface 23 of the runner device 1, once ithas been placed inside the elastic layer 44, 45 in the interior of theprofiled section 56, 57. The inner profiled section 12, 13 is thereforeembedded in the outer profiled section 56, 57 in an almost floatingarrangement. Consequently, counter-vibrations can be generated inresponse to the natural vibrations of the runner device 1, therebyenabling its natural vibrations to be damped.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section through another embodiment of the runnerdevice 1 proposed by the invention.

A core component 39 is provided, again consisting of several elements.In particular, at least one multi-part profiled section 12, 56 and 13,57 is used. The inner profiled section 12, 13 is retained and positionedin the interior of the outer profiled section 56; 57 by means of theelastic layer 44; 45. The inner profiled section 12; 13 is substantiallyconcentric with the outer profiled section 56; 57 and the longitudinalaxes of the profiled sections 12, 56 and 13, 57 inserted one inside theother are largely congruent. By preference, the longitudinal mid-axes ofthe profiled sections 12, 56 and 13, 57 are also disposed in a samealignment or orientation.

The elastic layer 44; 45 and the profiled section 12; 13 do not occupythe entire interior of the outer profiled section 56; 57. Instead, atleast one cavity 61, 62 remains free between the outer shell of theinner profiled section 12; 13 and the internal surface 54; 55 of theouter profiled section 56; 57. Consequently, the elastic layer 44, 45and the profiled section 12; 13 lying inside only partially fill theinterior of the outer profiled section 56; 57.

As viewed through the cross section of the profiled sections 12, 56 and13, 57, the elastic layer 44, 45 is provided in a web arrangement andretains the inner profiled section 12, 13 substantially centred relativeto the outer profiled section 56; 57. The elastic layer 44, 45, of a webdesign in cross section, preferably runs in a plane parallel with therunning surface 23 so that at least one cavity 61; 62 is left free aboveand/or below the profiled section 12; 13. The outer profiled section 56;57 is therefore not completely filled with the elastic layer 44; 45.

Optionally, the retaining webs for the inner profiled sections 12; 13formed by the damping layer 44; 45 may also extend between the innerprofiled section 12; 13 and the outer profiled section 56; 57 in aradiating arrangement, thereby forming a plurality of cavities 61, 62.

The inner profiled sections 12; 13 may also be completely embedded inthe elastic layer 44, 45 and the elastic retaining webs for the innerprofiled section 12; 13 formed by it, preventing any direct contactbetween the high-tensile and relatively hard surfaces of the profiledsections 12, 56 and 13, 57 inserted one in the other.

The internally lying profiled section 12, 13 in particular may also be asolid body in order to produce high static bending characteristics inspite of the relatively small cross-sectional area.

The combined multi-layered component comprising the inner profiledsection 12; 13, the outer profiled section 56; 57 and the elastic layer44; 45 inlaid between, may be made by means of an extrusion process, forexample. If using a so-called co-extrusion process, the entirecombi-element used for the core component 39 can be produced in a singlework process. This being the case, the profiled element 12, 56 or 13, 57is made from an extrudable synthetic material and the elastic layer 44,45 from an elastomeric material which has an adhesive action on coolingor curing so as to permanently join the profiled sections 12, 56 and 13,57 inserted one inside the other.

If the profiled sections 12, 13, 56, 57 are made from metal, inparticular aluminium, titanium or a suitable metal alloy, the elasticlayer 44, 45 is preferably injected or introduced into the outerprofiled section 56, 57 after inserting the inner profiled section 12;13 and expanded.

An expanded synthetic material with appropriate elastic properties oralternatively a rubber or rubber-type material may therefore be used forthe elastic layer 44, 45.

The ratio of flexural strength between the inner profiled section 12; 13and the co-operating outer profiled section 56; 57 may be varied bymodifying the cross-sectional surface areas, the cross-sectionaldimensions, the wall thicknesses and the materials used. Similarly, thelongitudinal dimensions of the profiled sections 12; 13, 56; 57 willdetermine which of the profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57 is deformedfirst when the runner device 1 is subjected to bending stress and whichof the profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57 will counteract this deformationmotion, at least during the initial phase of the displacement.

Above all, if using a double section 63 comprising an inner and an outerprofiled section 12, 56 or 13, 57, a part-region of the outer surface ofthe outer profiled section 56, 57 may be joined to the layers of thebottom belt 30 and/or the layers of the top belt 31. Specifically forthis purpose, at least part-regions of the contact points between theprofiled section 56, 57 and the bottom or top belt 30; 31 are bonded.

Instead of using metal profiled sections 12, 13, 56, 57, it wouldnaturally also be possible to integrate plastics sections or mouldedelements made from fibre-reinforced plastics or any combination thereofin the runner device 1.

FIG. 8 provides a very simplified side view, not shown to scale, of arunner device 1 as proposed by the invention, showing the layout andarrangement of the profiled sections integrated in the runner devicebody. FIG. 9 illustrates the body of profiled sections illustrated inthe runner device 1 of FIG. 8 but on a larger sale and out ofproportion. Reference may be made to the explanations given above withregard to same parts denoted by the same reference numbers.

As may be seen, at least one profiled section 12; 13; 56; 57 extends asfar as the contact zones 18, 19 of the runner device 1 with the flatunderlying ground 22. In the no load-state, the contact zones 18, 19 andthe respective strip-shaped or linear contact points 20, 21 of therunning surface 23 of the runner device 1 are located in the end-faceterminal regions of the runner device 1. Turning to the side view, therunner device 1 is arcuate or upwardly cambered with a specificpre-tensioning height between the contact zones 18, 19 and between thecontact points 20, 21.

Starting from the mid-region 7 of the runner device 1, at least oneprofiled section 12; 13; 56; 57 extends to just short of the contactpoints 20 and/or 21 or at least slightly beyond the contact points 20and/or 21 of the runner device 1.

A double section 63 of the type described above is also incorporated inthis embodiment of the runner device 1. This double section 63,consisting of the first or inner profiled section 12; 13 and the secondor outer profiled section 56; 57 enclosing it, more or less conforms toand is pre-shaped to the desired camber or longitudinal curvature of therunner device 1. In other words, the double section 63 already assumes acambered or bridge-type shape, as viewed in cross section, before it isintegrated in the runner device body. Since the double section 63 isalready permanently preformed and already has a certain degree ofpre-tensioning in the initial state, the springing properties and thedynamics of the runner device 1 can be varied by using the doublesection 63 or by using only one of the profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57pre-shaped accordingly.

The springing behaviour and elasticity of the runner device 1 areassisted amongst other things by the double section 63 or alternativelythe individual profiled section 12; 13; 56; 57 provided in the form of apre-tensioned arc extending continuously between the two contact zones18, 19. These profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57 are of crucial importanceto the running or gliding behaviour of the runner device 1.

In the embodiment illustrated, the outer profiled section 56; 57 islonger than the inner profiled section 12; 13 embedded in the elasticlayer 44; 45. The inner profiled section 12; 13 is positioned so that itis totally accommodated in the outer profiled section 56; 57. In otherwords, both terminal ends of the outer profiled section 56; 57 projectbeyond the two terminal ends of the inner profiled section 12; 13 andlevel out or flatten out to the thickness of the runner device 1. Bypreference, the end regions of the profiled section 56; 57 are flattenedto the degree that the ends of the profiled sections 56, 57 are closed,forming a substantially flat end.

Optionally, the inner profiled section 12; 13 is arranged offset fromthe outer profiled section 56; 57 in the longitudinal direction so thatat least an end region of the inner profiled section 12; 13 projectsbeyond one of the ends of the outer profiled section 56; 57.

The interior of the inner profiled section 12; 13 or hollow section 42;43 may form a cavity as schematically indicated—in the double section63. Alternatively, however, at the manufacturing stage, particularlyduring the injection or expansion process, the elastic layer 44; 45 maybe allowed to penetrate the interior of the inner profiled section 12;13.

As may be seen by comparing FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 in particular, the innerprofiled section 12; 13 is completely enclosed by the elastic layer 44;45, i.e. including at the terminal ends. Totally embedding the innerprofiled section 12; 13 in the elastic layer 44; 45 significantlyimproves the damping characteristics of the entire double section 63. Ineffect, longitudinal compensation is afforded between the inner profiledsection 12; 13 and the outer profiled section 56; 57, particularly whenthe double section 63 is deformed in a downward direction, in otherwords when the double section 63 is flexed. This longitudinalcompensating motion is not hampered by the terminal arrangement of theelastic layer 44; 45 and this elastic layer 44; 45 simultaneouslyproduces a more pronounced counteracting countering or damping force inthe terminal regions of the inner profiled section 12, 13 as thedeformation displacement becomes more pronounced.

The complementary double-tube section 63 with the multi-layered, inparticular three to six-layered, structure, for the first time offers acore element or core component 39 with favourable elasticity andstrength properties, which in turn has a positive effect on the overallbehaviour of the running properties of the runner device 1.

As a result of incorporating the described core component 39 ordouble-tube section 63 described, the elasticity and damping propertiesof the runner device 1 are also determined to a decisive degree by itscore region and the runner device 1 proposed by the invention therebyoffers significantly improved selected properties than runner bodies ofa conventional structure used for various types of winter sports. Thecore component 39 with the structure described in detail above, whichacts as a flexural bearing, has a surprisingly conducive effect onproperties of the runner device 1 and these positive implications werenot entirely foreseeable.

FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate another embodiment of a runner device 1 asproposed by the invention, the same reference numbers being used forparts already described above. Reference may be made to the explanationsgiven above, the meaning of which may be transposed to this part of thedescription of same parts bearing the same reference numbers.

In this instance, by contrast with the embodiment described above, theinner profiled section 12; 13 is longer than the outer profiled section56; 57 enclosing it. The profiled sections 12, 56 or 13; 57 therefore inturn form a sort of double section 63 with an elastic layer 44; 45between the boundary surfaces directed towards one another. Bypreference, the two terminal ends of the inner profiled section 12; 13project beyond the terminal ends of the enclosing outer profiled section56; 57. Alternatively, only one terminal end of the inner profiledsection 12; 13 could project beyond the outer profiled section 56; 57.By preference, the outer profiled section 56; 57 with the intermediateelastic layer 44; 45 is almost pushed onto the inner, central profiledsection 12; 13, so that the inner profiled section 12; 13 stands proudon either side of the outer profiled section 56; 57. Both the outerprofiled section 56; 57 and the inner profiled section 12; 13 arepreferably of an integral or continuous and seamless design, inparticular without any transversely extending seams. Consequently, theouter profiled section 56; 57 is able to accommodate the inner profiledsection 12; 13 and, in order to enable the inner profiled section 12; 13to be fully inserted in the outer profiled section 56; 57 in thelongitudinal direction, the cross-sectional surface area of the cavityof the outer profiled section 56; 57 is larger than the cross-sectionalsurface area of the inner profiled section 12; 13 to be introduced intoit. In particular, the cross-sectional surface area and/or thecross-sectional width of the cavity of the outer profiled section 56; 57is significantly larger than the largest corresponding cross-sectionaldimension of the inner profiled section 12; 13 to be accommodated. Thisensures that an elastic layer 44; 45 of an adequate thickness can beprovided in between.

In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the profiled section12; 13 is made from solid material and therefore forms a sort of rod orbearing element. The thickness of the profiled section 12; 13 isselected so as to be significantly smaller than the external dimensionof the outer profiled section 56; 57 or the corresponding hollowsection.

The inner profiled section 12; 13 extends into the contact zones 18, 19with the underlying flat ground 22 when the runner device 1 is in theunloaded state.

As may be seen particularly clearly from FIGS. 10 and 11, the innerprofiled section 12; 13 has a more pronounced longitudinal curvaturethan the outer profiled section 56; 57. As a result, the inner profiledsection 12; 13 may be off-centre, at least relative to one terminal endof the outer profiled section 56; 57. In other words, a longitudinalmid-axis 64 of the inner profiled section 12; 13 at the outlet point isdisposed at a distance 65 from the outer profiled section 56; 57, asmeasured perpendicular to a longitudinal mid-axis 66 of the outerprofiled section 56; 57.

Looking at the runner device 1 or the double section 63 from the side,the fact that the longitudinal curvature of the inner profiled section12; 13 is more pronounced than the longitudinal curvature of the outerprofiled section 56; 57 means that in an outlet region 67 of theprofiled section 12; 13 from the profiled section 56; 57, a layerthickness 68 of the elastic layer 44; 45 above the profiled section 12;13 is larger than a layer thickness 69 of the elastic layer 44 on theunderside of the profiled section 12; 13.

Likewise, this also means that in a mid-region 70 of the outer profiledsection 56; 57, the upper layer thickness 68 of the elastic layer 44; 45between the top face of the profiled section 12; 13 and the internalface of the profiled section 56; 57 facing it is smaller than the bottomlayer thickness 69 of the elastic layer 44; 45 between the underside ofthe profiled section 12; 13 and the internal surface 54; 55 of the outerprofiled section 56; 67 facing it. As a result, a flexural body ordouble section 63 is obtained, which enables relatively largedisplacement paths. These relative displacement paths are determined bythe compression and expansion paths of the elastic layer 44; 45. Inparticular, because of the shape and layout of the double section 63, arelatively longer damping path can be obtained in spite of the severelylimited availability of space in the structural height of the runnerdevice 11. Above all, the differences in curvature described aboveenable damping travel of relatively large dimensions to be obtainedbetween the inner profiled section 12; 13 and the outer profiled section56; 57, at least in one direction of deformation.

The double section 63 is preferably also embedded in an expanded foamcore 41 of the runner device 1. This being the case, the expanded foamcore 41 and its filler 40 may be of a relatively more compact structureor have harder properties.

The outer profiled section 56; 57 and/or the inner profiled section 12;13 in this embodiment can also be adapted or adjusted to the spaceavailable in the ski body.

In particular, if the inner profiled section 12; 13 has acorrespondingly more pronounced longitudinal curvature, the longitudinalmid-axis 64 thereof will intersect the longitudinal mid-axis 66 of theouter profiled section 56; 57 twice.

FIGS. 13 to 16 are plan views of different possible embodiments of therunner device 1 proposed by the invention, the broken lines indicatingthe shape or contour of the integrated profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57or double sections 63.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, two adjacent profiled sections 12; 13;56; 57 or double sections 63 are integrated in the runner device body.In the plan view of the runner device 1 given in FIG. 13, these curve inan arcuate shape. A distance between the adjacent profiled sections 12;13; 56; 57 in the binding mounting region 8 is smaller than the distancebetween the profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57 in the end regions 5, 6 ofthe runner device 1. In other words, in the binding mounting region 8,the longitudinally curved profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57 are spaced atthe smallest relative distance from one another.

As seen in the plan view onto the runner device 1 shown in FIG. 14, theprofiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57 may also be aligned in a V-shapedarrangement and therefore mostly run in a straight line but also have alongitudinal curvature. The imaginary or actual vertex of profiledsections 12; 13; 56; 67 aligned in a V-shaped arrangement relative toone other is disposed either at the tip-end end region 6 or the oppositeend region 5 of the runner device 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, however, the profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57may also be integrated in the runner device 1 in an intersectingarrangement. An intersection point 71 of the profiled sections 12; 13;56; 57 will preferably lie more or less in the mid-region 7 or in thebinding mounting region 8 of the runner device 1. The profiled sections12; 13; 56; 57 may be adapted accordingly or permanently shaped so as tobe better adapted to the cut or lateral shape of the runner device 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, several profiled sections 12; 13; 56; 57 orseveral double sections 63 are placed side by side. In particular, threelengths of section are provided, the middle profiled length running in asubstantially straight line, whilst the two adjacent outer profiledlengths conform more or less to the cut of and are shaped more or lessto the same design as the closest lying side edge 72, 73 of the runnerdevice 1.

For the sake of good order, it should finally be pointed out that inorder to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of the runnerdevice 1, it and its constituent parts have been illustrated out ofscale to a certain extent and/or on an enlarged and/or reduced scale.

The tasks underlying the independent inventive solutions can be found inthe description. Above all, subject matter relating to the individualembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10, 11, 12;13, 14, 15, 16 can be construed as independent solutions proposed by theinvention. The tasks and solutions can be found in the detaileddescriptions relating to these drawings.

List of Reference Numbers

-   1 Runner device-   2 Ski-   3 Top face-   4 Contouring-   5 End region-   6 End region-   7 Mid-region-   8 Binding mounting region-   9 Mound-   10 Mound-   11 Recess-   12 Profiled section-   13 Profiled section-   14 Raised area-   15 Raised area-   16 Viewing window-   17 Cut-out region-   18 Contact zone-   19 Contact zone-   20 Contact point-   21 Contact point-   22 Underlying ground-   23 Running surface-   24 Top layer-   25 Running surface lining-   26 Longitudinal side wall-   27 Longitudinal side wall-   28 Steel edge-   29 Steel edge-   30 Bottom belt-   31 Top belt-   32 Filler or adhesive layer-   33 Anchoring projection-   34 Anchoring projection-   35 Longitudinal edge-   36 Longitudinal edge-   37 Longitudinal edge-   38 Distance-   39 Core component-   40 Filler-   41 Expanded foam core-   42 Hollow section-   43 Hollow section-   44 Layer-   45 Layer-   46 Sheath-   47 Sheath-   49 Height-   49 Diameter-   50 Structural height-   51 Fixing mount-   52 Mount-   53 Mount-   54 Internal surface-   55 Internal surface-   56 Profiled section-   57 Profiled section-   58 Lateral web element-   59 Lateral web element-   60 Inside width-   61 Cavity-   62 Cavity-   63 Double section-   64 Longitudinal mid-axis-   65 Distance-   66 Longitudinal mid-axis-   67 Outlet region-   68 Layer thickness-   69 Layer thickness-   70 Mid-region-   71 Intersection point-   72 Side edge-   73 Side edge

1. A ski or snowboard comprising several layers disposed between arunning surface lining and a top layer contoured to form at least tworaised areas extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a recesstherebetween, including a top belt of a high-tensile material layingclosest to the top layer and a bottom belt of a high-tensile materiallaying closest to the running surface lining, the layers forming amulti-layer element with a profiled section disposed between the topbelt and the bottom belt below each one of the raised areas; the outersurface of the profiled section being embedded in, and completelysurrounded by, a layer of an elastic expanded synthetic material that isflexible and elastically resilient relative to the profiled sectionunder pressure; a top face of the ski or snowboard opposite the runningsurface lining having a contour consisting of the raised areas andrecess, the cross-sectional shape or dimension of the profiled sectionsat least approximately conforming to the raised areas and recess of thetop face contour, and the cross-sectional shape or dimension being afactor determining the top face contour.
 2. The ski or snowboard ofclaim 1, wherein the layer of elastic synthetic material is comprised ofan elastomeric, expanded synthetic material having a density of 200kg/cu.m to 400 kg/cu.m.
 3. The ski or snowboard of claim 2, wherein theelastomeric, expanded synthetic material is polyurethane foam.
 4. Theski or snowboard of claim 1, wherein the at least part-region of theouter surface of the profiled section runs close to the bottom or topbelt, the layer of elastic synthetic material being disposed in between.5. The ski or snowboard of claim 1, wherein the at least part-region ofthe outer surface of the profiled section is supported on an internalsurface of an outer profiled section at least partially enclosing theprofiled section, and the layer of elastic synthetic material is inlaidtherebetween.
 6. The ski or snowboard of claim 5, wherein the outerprofiled section has a U-shaped, V-shaped or dish-shaped cross-sectionand encloses at least an upper outer surface region of the profiledsection disposed therebelow.
 7. The ski or snowboard of claim 5, whereinthe outer profiled section has an elliptical cross-section.
 8. The skior snowboard of claim 5, wherein one of the profiled sections extendscontinuously into spaced-apart regions of contact of an underside of theski or snowboard with a level underlying ground when no load is appliedthereto, and the other profiled section is shorter than the one profiledsection.
 9. The ski or snowboard of claim 8, wherein the profiledsection extends beyond the ends of the outer profiled section to theregions of contact, and the profiled section is completely uncoupledfrom the outer profiled section.
 10. The ski or snowboard of claim 5,wherein the layer of elastic synthetic material is a spacing web spacingthe1 profiled section apart from the outer profiled section, theprofiled sections defining at least one cavity therebetween.
 11. The skior snowboard of claim 10, wherein the spacing web is so aligned that thecavity is formed above or below the profiled section bounded by theouter profiled section.
 12. The ski or snowboard of claim 10, whereinthe spacing web is aligned vertically between the profiled section andthe outer profiled section and is so dimensioned that the cavity isformed in at least one of two side regions between the profiledsections.
 13. The ski or snowboard of claim 1, wherein the profiledsection and the layer of elastic synthetic material forms amulti-layered core of the multi-layer element, the multi-layered corebeing capable of being pre-fabricated.
 14. The ski or snowboard of claim1, wherein the profiled section is a hollow section with a closed shellsurface.
 15. The ski or snowboard of claim 14, wherein the hollowsection is tubular.
 16. The ski or snowboard of claim 15, wherein thetubular profiled section is received in an outer tubular profiledsection, the layer of elastic synthetic material being arrangedtherebetween.
 17. The ski or snowboard of claim 1, wherein the elasticsynthetic material is an expandable synthetic material forming a core ofthe multi-layer element.
 18. The ski or snowboard of claim 1, whereinthe elastic synthetic material is a silicone or rubber materialsheathing the profiled section.
 19. The ski or snowboard of claim 1,wherein the profiled section decreases in height from a mid-region ofthe ski or snowboard to the ends thereof, the mid-region forming amounting region for a binding.
 20. A ski or snowboard comprising severallayers disposed between a running surface lining and a top layer,including a top belt of a high-tensile material laying closest to thetop layer and a bottom belt of a high-tensile material laying closest tothe running surface lining, the layers forming a multi-layer elementwith at least one hollow tubular section with a closed shell surfacedisposed between the top belt and the bottom belt, the at least onehollow tubular section being received in an outer tubular section whichis flattened at the ends thereof and the at least one hollow tubularsection being shorter than the outer tubular section; at least apart-region of the outer surface of the at least one hollow tubularsection being embedded in a layer of an elastic synthetic material thatis flexible and elastically resilient relative to the at least onehollow tubular section under pressure, the layer of elastic syntheticmaterial being arranged between the at least one hollow tubular sectionand the outer tubular section; a top face of the ski or snowboardopposite the running surface lining having a contour consisting of atleast one raised area and recess, the cross-sectional shape or dimensionof the at least one hollow tubular section at least approximatelyconforming to the at least one raised area and recess of the top facecontour, and the cross-sectional shape or dimension being a factordetermining the top face contour.
 21. A ski or snowboard comprisingseveral layers disposed between a running surface lining and a toplayer, including a top belt of a high-tensile material laying closest tothe top layer and a bottom belt of a high-tensile material layingclosest to the running surface lining, the layers forming a multi-layerelement with at least one profiled section disposed between the top beltand the bottom belt; at least a part-region of the outer surface of theat least one profiled section being embedded in a layer of an elasticsynthetic material that is flexible and elastically resilient relativeto the at least one profiled section under pressure, the at least oneprofiled section directly abutting an underside of the top belt andbeing spaced apart by the layer of elastic synthetic material from thebottom belt and lower layers of the multi-layer element; a top face ofthe ski or snowboard opposite the running surface lining having acontour consisting of at least one raised area and recess, thecross-sectional shape or dimension of the at least one hollow tubularsection at least approximately conforming to the at least one raisedarea and recess of the top face contour, and the cross-sectional shapeor dimension being a factor determining the top face contour.
 22. A skior snowboard comprising several layers disposed between a runningsurface lining and a top layer, including a top belt of a high-tensilematerial laying closest to the top layer and a bottom belt of ahigh-tensile material laying closest to the running surface lining, thelayers forming a multi-layer element with at least one profiled sectiondisposed between the top belt and the bottom belt, the cross-sectionalwidth of the at least one profiled section being approximately 10% to40% of the width of the ski or snowboard; at least a part-region of theouter surface of the at least one profiled section being embedded in alayer of an elastic synthetic material that is flexible and elasticallyresilient relative to the at least one profiled section under pressure;a top face of the ski or snowboard opposite the running surface lininghaving a contour consisting of at least one raised area and recess, thecross-sectional shape or dimension of the at least one hollow tubularsection at least approximately conforming to the at least one raisedarea and recess of the top face contour, and the cross-sectional shapeor dimension being a factor determining the top face contour.
 23. Theski or snowboard of claim 22, wherein the transverse extension of thelayer of elastic synthetic material is approximately 10% to 40% of thewidth of the ski or snowboard.